Owners have filed 159 complaints
about the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Tiguan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Volkswagen Tiguan
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
53.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
96.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
32.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3123.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2518.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3526.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2518.7%
150,000+ miles
10.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan 4-Dr. w/SAB
—
—
—
17.4% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2010peak 14Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
PE13036Opened 4 Nov 2013Closed 28 Feb 2014ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
Volkswagen Group of America (VW) is conducting a safety recall of approximately 62,155 model year (MY) 2009-2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles to address a partial loss of the exterior lighting (see NHTSA recall 13V-569 for more information).These vehicles' exterior lighting system is protected by two separate fuses contained in a fuse box located in the engine compartment.According to VW, high thermal cycling and soft-coated fuse coating material used at the F16 (also referred to as SB16) location causes movement between the fuse blade and socket, resulting in abrasions on the fuse coating mater...
Recalls on the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V441000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
13V569000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.
Risk: If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201606464,660 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This campaign only affects the Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet models.
Recall 201534441,308 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the internal flat cable and cause it to tear. Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver's front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will install a cover of a different design to help prevent clock spring contamination caused by hair or other fibers. In instances where the vehicle has an airbag light on (and diagnosis confirms the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement), dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring.
Recall 201430738,101 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, deposits may collect on fuel pump connections and reduce fuel pump performance. This could cause the engine to stall, resulting in a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software to increase fuel pump pressure in order to prevent deposits from forming.
Recall 201340316,235 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a fuse can overheat and damage the fuse box, causing a partial loss of exterior vehicle lighting. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a fuse of an updated design.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 90,000 milesHollywood, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE MAKING THE RIGHT TURN, FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND WITHIN MINUTES THE HOOD OPENED RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOST OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE FIRE REACHED THE BATTERY WAS WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL IN MOTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE FIRE BURNED ALL OF THE TIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE LOT AND THEN TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11220837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesClearwater, FLFire
SEATS
EARLY MONDAY MORNING ON 12/17/18 WHILE DRIVING FROM ORLANDO,FL TO CLEARWATER,FL ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY MY WIFE HAD TURNED ON THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER. NOTHING WAS OUT OF THE ORDINARY UNTIL WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, THINKING IT WAS PROBABLY COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE SMELL DIDN'T GO AWAY SO WE TURNED OFF THE A/C AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT HEATER UNTIL THE SMELL OF SMOKE WHEN AWAY. WE LEFT THE SEAT HEATERS OFF AND LEFT ON THE AC. WHEN WE GOT HOME WE STILL DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING UNTIL LATER ON IN THE MORNING WHEN MY SWEATER HAD A BLACK BURN MARK. I WENT OUT TO THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD A BURN HOLE CLOSE TO THE BACK. WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR AND TURNED THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER ON I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP AND THEN A SPARK AS IF IT WHERE A LIGHTER.
NHTSA complaint #11162367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesHighland, IN1 injured
SEATS
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND I SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATING AND AFTER ABOUT 2 MIN I STARTED TO SMELL PLASTIC BURNING MY LEG WAS BURNING AND WE SEEN SMOKE IN THE CAR AND PULLED OVER. WHEN I GOT OUT THE CAR MY SEAT HAD A HOLE IN IT WITH SMOKE BILLOWING OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11154363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesCasper, WYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED FREMONT VOLKSWAGEN CASPER AT (307) 462-5509 (6001 E 2ND ST, CASPER, WY 82609). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesWales, WIFire1 injured
SEATS
THE SEAT HEATER ON THE DRIVER SIDE OVERHEATED, BURNED THE DRIVER'S SKIN AND BURNED A HOLE IN A COAT. A BURNING SMELL WAS CLEARLY NOTICED.
NHTSA complaint #11073883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesDecatur, GACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, ON AN INCLINE, CAR STOPPED, WITH MULTIPLE CARS AHEAD. KNEW I WOULD BE WAITING FOR A WHILE FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE, SO GENTLY RELEASED SOME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE. CAR LUNGED FORWARD HITTING CAR AHEAD OF ME AND EACH TIME I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNGED, HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THREE TIMES. STOPPED THE FRIGHTENING ORDEAL BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. CAUSED NECK AND BACK INJURY, (REPORTED BY THE INJURED, BUT NOT CONFIRMED) OF SHERYL BROWN, DRIVER OF CAR I HIT. GOOGLED SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED LUNGING AFTER BRAKING IN BOTH TIGUAN AND TOUREG.
NHTSA complaint #10863782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Maplewood, NJ
SEATS
Right seat heater has burned through the synthetic leather and burned my pants. No fuse went off, no warning issued by vehicle nor heater stopped itself.
NHTSA complaint #11758583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snohomish, WA
STEERING
We own a 2010 VW Tiguan and it has many problems, but the biggest one is that the Steering Wheel just randomly will turn off and loose all power steering, I believe these models use electric power steering (EPS) system, which don't use like a traditional power steering hydraulic pump but uses electricity and maybe magnets... to induce the steering. the steering wheel is a big deal and should not just randomly stop working and there is tons of these models and others have have this problems, I seen people on youtube have the same problem with the 2017 models Tiguan and this part is consistently out of stock, because so many of them break.. this should be a nationwide recall and a major safety recall as well.
NHTSA complaint #11680243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
ENGINE
Vehicle sometimes displays red check engine light on dash with alarm sounding. Check engine light goes away after the vehicle is stopped briefly and restarted. Oil level is normal. Mechanic found no diagnostic codes when scanned with OBD scanner. Mechanic changed oil pressure sensor, replaced oil, checked oil pan. There is no leaking. But the check engine light still comes on with alarm. It does not seem to be related to miles driven, speed driven, road conditions, or external temperature. Consumer is afraid to drive the car, or sell car. Mileage is 61,000, one owner.
NHTSA complaint #11616682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, MO
SUSPENSION
Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped
NHTSA complaint #11602420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,068 milesRiceville, TN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the forward momentum allowed her to pull off the roadway. The contact stated that the steering wheel started shaking violently. The contact stated an unknown red warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, however the failure had reoccurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist, and rack and pinion gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,068.
NHTSA complaint #11541882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
ENGINE
Timing chain/extensioner broke My car suddenly started jerking or jumping when I was idling. I pulled into a parking lot and ended up having to have it towed. It does not run now and I was told it needed a new engine. I was told that there was a known issue and class action lawsuit with the timing chain but that I had passed the extended warranty. My care only has 50,000 miles on it so a timing chain should not fail so soon. I am sure that there extended warranty left a lot of engine failures out.
NHTSA complaint #11536564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newbury Park, CA
ENGINE
Timing chain tensioner broke. Loss of power
NHTSA complaint #11533954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riceville, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving down the road the steering wheel began to wobble and shake really bad and the power steering light came on and then power steering locked up, I was barely able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic which was very difficult for me because I have Lupus and not very much strength in my arms. Had to turn car off and restart several times before getting the light to stay off long enough to get home but it was still wobbling, this was a very scary situation for me.
NHTSA complaint #11516141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riceville, TN
STEERING
While driving down the road the steering wheel began to wobble and shake really bad and the power steering light came on and then power steering locked up, I was barely able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic which was very difficult for me because I have Lupus and not very much strength in my arms. Had to turn car off and restart several times before getting the light to stay off long enough to get home but it was still wobbling, this was a very scary situation for me.
NHTSA complaint #11516141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMadras, OR
ENGINE
The contact's mother owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made a loud popping sound coming from the passenger’s side engine compartment. Additionally, the service engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the recall remedy timeframe. The failure mileage was 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11515567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Nuys, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The fusebox that was included in the NHTSA recall #13V569000 for lighting defects was never resolved correctly on this car and many other VW Tiquans like this. I am a 45 year ASE licensed professional automotive technician. I am an ASE Master tech with current L1-L9 licensing. I am also an ex GM mastertech as well. Part time automotive instructor too. I've seen the multiple cases filed with the NHTSA regarding this melting fuse box that causes multiple issues whether they be with lighting, causes the engine & whole electrical system to shut down, same with several computers. I've scanned the system using VAG-COM and have two different sets of scan data to show clearly the issue. The car will load a multitude of erroneous codes because the central electrical, ABS, engine computer & other modules lose power causing a VERY dangerous situation for the operator of the vehicle. Not to mention a fire danger. I have pictures of the before and after repair I did on this vehicle. It still needs the fuse box replaced. I replaced the melted #6 wire that attaches to the fuse box (VW part# 1K0 937 125D) which was included in the original NHTSA recall I mentioned at the beginning of this essay. The vehicle & component is available for inspection at any time. This vehicle stalled & left my wife & kids stranded several times making it incredibly unsafe to drive. The car has been ok now for 2 weeks after my temporary repair. Prior NHTSA complaints from other owners with similar issues were 10551509, 10552308, 10553122, 10553811, & 10776567.
NHTSA complaint #11431695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Terrible odor in the vehicle , when I checked on vehicle forums it seems like it’s happens in Volkswagen vehicles where an animal can get caught in the engine and dies and causes an odor . This is something that happens in Volkswagen vehicles only
NHTSA complaint #11423724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,666 milesOlmsted, OH
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 3 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain failed causing the engine to seize and valves to bend. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had extended the warranty on the vehicle however, the warranty had expired in April 2020. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle extended warranty expired and the vehicle was not eligible for a free repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,666.
NHTSA complaint #11420012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, CA
STEERING
the power steering light has gone on several times, and I then would turn off the car, which would make the light go off. Last night, however, it went on along w the entire wheel violently shaking from side to side. I had to drive the short distance back home to my house w no power steering and the emergency lights on.
NHTSA complaint #11418774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
STEERING
POWERSTEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES WITHOUT USER INTERVENTION OCCASIONALLY (AT RED LIGHT). ISSUE SEEMS RELEASED TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RACK OR CONTROL BOX, BUT VW DOES NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: 1. AFTER PARKING CAR, POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OFF, SLOWLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 SEC SO FAR BROUGHT IT BACK. HOWEVER, STEERING IS NOT ACCURATE (SOMETIMES VERY LIGHT AND WOBBLE STARTS). AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING THINGS SEEM FINE 2. ON HIGHWAY, AFTER 20 MINS DRIVE STEERING BECAME RATHER ERRATIC WITH DIFFICULTIES TO KEEP CAR ON THE LANE, AFTER EXIT AND STOP ENGINE AND RESTART THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. CAN SEND VIDEO SHOWING WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL...
NHTSA complaint #11318121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWERSTEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES WITHOUT USER INTERVENTION OCCASIONALLY (AT RED LIGHT). ISSUE SEEMS RELEASED TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RACK OR CONTROL BOX, BUT VW DOES NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: 1. AFTER PARKING CAR, POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OFF, SLOWLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 SEC SO FAR BROUGHT IT BACK. HOWEVER, STEERING IS NOT ACCURATE (SOMETIMES VERY LIGHT AND WOBBLE STARTS). AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING THINGS SEEM FINE 2. ON HIGHWAY, AFTER 20 MINS DRIVE STEERING BECAME RATHER ERRATIC WITH DIFFICULTIES TO KEEP CAR ON THE LANE, AFTER EXIT AND STOP ENGINE AND RESTART THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. CAN SEND VIDEO SHOWING WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL...
NHTSA complaint #11318121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesWest Hartford, CT
POWER TRAIN
BACKGROUND: 2015 (70,733 MI), ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON & I BROUGHT IT TO VWHARTFORD. THEY FOUND FAULT FOR SYSTEM TO LEAN FOUND REAR MAIN SELA IS LEAKING OIL WHICH IS CAUSING FUEL TRIM FAULTS. OIL CAP IS LEAKING OIL & THE UPPER TIME CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL BUT THE MAIN OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR SEAL. THEY REMOVED THE TRANS & REPLACED THE MAIN SEAL & OIL CAP ($877). IN 2016 (94,999 MI), CAR FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD. VW REPLACED THIS AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SUGGESTION - TO GET A CARBON CLEANING FOR THE VALVES DUE TO BUILD UP ($290). JUNE '18 (118,239 MI): MY COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. VW SAID MY COOLANT WAS NOT LOW - WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THEY RESEALED VALVE COVER & UPPER TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAKS. THEY R AND R VALVE COVER CLEANING & RESEALED, INSTALLED UPPER TIMING CHAIN SEALS AND SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK OF OIL & INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR PREVIOUS WORK & WAS TOLD NO. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD PROLONG THE LONGEVITY & WAS TOLD YES ($1800). 8/19/19 (133,449 MI): ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON - COULD NOT LOOK AT FOR A COUPLE DAYS, BUT OK TO DRIVE AS LONG AS THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT BLINKING. RESULT: SYSTEM LEAN AT IDLE, BREATHER IS LEAKING AIR CAUSING HESITATION. THEY INSTALLED NEW BREATHER. ASKED IF IT WAS COVERED THEY SAID NO. ASKED IF IT WOULD IMPROVE THE LONGEVITY OF MY CAR, I WAS TOLD YES ($480). ISSUE 9/4/19: ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THIS WAS AFTER TRAVELING FOR LABOR DAY (360 MILES). ON MAIN ST. IN WHART, THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE & BOUNCE AT 2 STOP LIGHTS. WENT 2 BLOCKS HOME. TOWED IT - WAS TOLD TIMING CHAIN WENT & IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE TC RECALL. QUOTE - USED ENGINE $6500+. TOLD IT WAS WORTHLESS & NOT WORTH FIXING ($125 FOR DIAG) TOWED THE CAR TO ANOTHER PLACE - THEY FIXED IT FOR LESS THAN $3400. I HAVE TOLD VW AND VWHART THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL, BUT I AM IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11258827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesWest Hartford, CT
ENGINE
BACKGROUND: 2015 (70,733 MI), ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON & I BROUGHT IT TO VWHARTFORD. THEY FOUND FAULT FOR SYSTEM TO LEAN FOUND REAR MAIN SELA IS LEAKING OIL WHICH IS CAUSING FUEL TRIM FAULTS. OIL CAP IS LEAKING OIL & THE UPPER TIME CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL BUT THE MAIN OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR SEAL. THEY REMOVED THE TRANS & REPLACED THE MAIN SEAL & OIL CAP ($877). IN 2016 (94,999 MI), CAR FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD. VW REPLACED THIS AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SUGGESTION - TO GET A CARBON CLEANING FOR THE VALVES DUE TO BUILD UP ($290). JUNE '18 (118,239 MI): MY COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. VW SAID MY COOLANT WAS NOT LOW - WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THEY RESEALED VALVE COVER & UPPER TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAKS. THEY R AND R VALVE COVER CLEANING & RESEALED, INSTALLED UPPER TIMING CHAIN SEALS AND SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK OF OIL & INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR PREVIOUS WORK & WAS TOLD NO. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD PROLONG THE LONGEVITY & WAS TOLD YES ($1800). 8/19/19 (133,449 MI): ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON - COULD NOT LOOK AT FOR A COUPLE DAYS, BUT OK TO DRIVE AS LONG AS THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT BLINKING. RESULT: SYSTEM LEAN AT IDLE, BREATHER IS LEAKING AIR CAUSING HESITATION. THEY INSTALLED NEW BREATHER. ASKED IF IT WAS COVERED THEY SAID NO. ASKED IF IT WOULD IMPROVE THE LONGEVITY OF MY CAR, I WAS TOLD YES ($480). ISSUE 9/4/19: ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THIS WAS AFTER TRAVELING FOR LABOR DAY (360 MILES). ON MAIN ST. IN WHART, THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE & BOUNCE AT 2 STOP LIGHTS. WENT 2 BLOCKS HOME. TOWED IT - WAS TOLD TIMING CHAIN WENT & IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE TC RECALL. QUOTE - USED ENGINE $6500+. TOLD IT WAS WORTHLESS & NOT WORTH FIXING ($125 FOR DIAG) TOWED THE CAR TO ANOTHER PLACE - THEY FIXED IT FOR LESS THAN $3400. I HAVE TOLD VW AND VWHART THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL, BUT I AM IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11258827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesGouldsboro, PA
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY THE CAR DIED THANKFULLY I WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 25 MPH. ICOASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND HAD THE TIGUAN TOWED TO THE VOLKESWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE TIMING GOING CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE HEADS AND VALVES ON THE MOTOR. VOLKESWAGEN DEALSHIP REDID THE MOTOR. AT THE COST OF $5700.00
NHTSA complaint #11234272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,020 milesMission, KS
ENGINE
07/05/19, WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 3:30 PM WEST ON I-90 AT THE 68 MILE MARKER WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DIED. THE NEXT DAY I WAS INFORMED BY A AAA MECHANIC THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD MOST LIKELY BEEN THE CULPRIT AND ACCORDINGLY TO SAME, DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SAME THAT HAD BEEN SETTLED BETWEEN VW AND THE CLAIMANTS THOUGH I HAD TRAVELED 100,020 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND WAS ENTITLED TO "0". I BELIEVE THAT THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUSLY, AND LIKE MYSELF, MANY WOULD NOT BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUE SINCE MOST WOULD NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO THINK OTHERWISE. HOWEVER, I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR OR FIVE LANE FEDERAL INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC - AND IN THE CHICAGO VICINITY - HAD I HAD LESS FORETHOUGHT A TERRIBLE CALAMITY COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT VW SHOULD RECALL EVERY ENGINE WITH THIS MALADY - AND SHOULD DO SO DESPITE SETTLING WITH A BUNCH OF LAWYERS. [SEE HTTPS://TIMINGCHAINLITIGATION.COM/]. I AM OUT THE ENTIRETY OF MY INVESTMENT AND STILL WITH 6K LEFT TO PAY ON THE CAR [I BOUGHT IT USED] OVER THE NEXT 2.5 YEARS. SAYING THAT, I AM WRITING TO YOU TO URGE YOU TO CONSIDER TAKING ACTION AGAINST THIS ENGINE FAULT AND PRODUCED BY VW. MY CAR IS NOW A BIG DOORSTOP IN A GARAGE IN SHAUMBERG ILL. I HAD TO POP FOR TWO ONE WAY TICKETS FOR ME AND MY WIFE TO GET BACK HOME TO KANSAS CITY. YES, PRECIOUS CARGO [MY WIFE] WAS ALSO IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STOPPED DEAD GOING 70 MPH ON A FEDERAL INTERSTATE! THANKS YOU - [XXX]
NHTSA complaint #11230871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesHollywood, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE MAKING THE RIGHT TURN, FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND WITHIN MINUTES THE HOOD OPENED RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOST OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE FIRE REACHED THE BATTERY WAS WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL IN MOTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE FIRE BURNED ALL OF THE TIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE LOT AND THEN TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11220837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesSauk Village, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I DROVE TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER GOT IN THE CAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE THEN 10 OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT THE SAME TIME. MY FOOTWELL LIGHTS I CANNOT DIM OR BRIGHTEN THROUGH THE CONTROLS AND BACK UP SENSOR STOPPED WORKING. I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AT AROUND 11PM. ALL THIS HAPPENED AT ONCE AT THE SAME TIME. ALL OF THE BULBS WERE FINE. I REPLACED THEM. THEY WEREN'T EVEN BLOWN. FUSES WERE FINE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN LEAD TO CRASH IF NOT LOOKED INTO.
NHTSA complaint #11209420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesSauk Village, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER GOT IN THE CAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE THEN 10 OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT THE SAME TIME. MY FOOTWELL LIGHTS I CANNOT DIM OR BRIGHTEN THROUGH THE CONTROLS AND BACK UP SENSOR STOPPED WORKING. I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AT AROUND 11PM. ALL THIS HAPPENED AT ONCE AT THE SAME TIME. ALL OF THE BULBS WERE FINE. I REPLACED THEM. THEY WEREN'T EVEN BLOWN. FUSES WERE FINE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN LEAD TO CRASH IF NOT LOOKED INTO.
NHTSA complaint #11209420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,415 milesBlaine, MN
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 TIGUAN ON A MINNEAPOLIS CITY STREET AT AROUND 25 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTING RUNNING ROUGH AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO START BLINKING. AT THIS POINT BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE LIGHT AND PERFORMANCE ISSUE, I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT IT OFF. AFTER I SAFELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE, APPROXIMATELY AFTER 1/3 OF A MILE FROM THE INITIAL WARNING LIGHTS & VEHICLE FAILURE STARTED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS POINT AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND MY SITUATION. WESTSIDE VOLKSWAGEN, THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, TOLD ME NOT TO TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR BUT GET IS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND FOUND THE TIMING HAD JUMPED AND CYLINDERS WERE DAMAGED- RECOMMENDATION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR VW WOULD CLAIM ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT'S A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. SINCE THIS WAS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, I BELIEVE VW/WESTSIDE VW SHOULD COMPENSATE ME FOR THIS REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11208268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesCarmel, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS MODEL HAS A PUSH TO ACTIVATE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL ENGAGE WITHOUT TOUCHING IT WHENEVER IT WANTS. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS GOING IN REVERSE WITH NO NOTICE NOR DOES THE LIGHT INDICATOR GO ON. I HAVE TOOK IT TO MOHEGAN VW DEALER AND THEY DID FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE . I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT IT ENGAGES AT ANY GIVEN TIME BUT THEY INFORMED ME THAT WITHOUT A BRAKE INDICATOR ON THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I NEED HELP WITH THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT ENGAGES WHILE I'M DRIVING AND KILLS ME OR ANYONE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11207141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
